Pearland Spine Injury Lawyer
Few injuries are as devastating as damage to the spinal cord. Such injuries often lead to the permanent limitation of a person’s mobility or outright paralysis. In turn, this can leave the victim with thousands of dollars in medical bills and rehabilitation costs, not to mention a diminished quality of life.
There are many potential causes of spine injuries. But if such an injury was the result of another person’s negligent or intentional act, the victim has a legal right to seek compensation for their short- and long-term losses. A qualified Pearland spine injury lawyer can advise you further in this area. Keith B. French is an experienced Texas personal injury attorney who has helped many clients obtain compensation for these types of catastrophic, life-changing injuries.
The Long-Term Physical and Financial Damage of a Spinal Cord Injury
Negligence often plays a major role in spinal cord injuries. Some of the more common causes include motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and intentional acts of violence. Spine injuries can also arise from medical malpractice, such as a botched surgical procedure on the back or neck.
Medical professionals define spinal cord injuries as either incomplete or complete. In the case of an incomplete injury, the victim’s spine still retains some capacity to “communicate” with the brain. So while the victim may not be totally paralyzed, they are often still severely restricted in their movements and sensory perception. With a complete spinal cord injury, in contrast, there is generally a total loss of all sensory function below the side of the damage. This can not only mean paralysis of the limbs but also loss of other key bodily functions, such as bladder control.
Given the severity and permanence of spinal injuries, victims are often able to obtain substantial compensation awards from the negligent parties who caused the damage in the first place. Under Texas law a victim of a spinal injury can seek to recover all of the following:
- medical bills, including the costs of rehabilitation and long-term care;
- lost wages and compensation for diminished earning capacity in the future;
- pain and suffering; and
- punitive damages, which are designed primarily to punish wrongdoers who engage in criminal or exceptionally reckless acts.
In cases where someone dies as the result of a spinal injury, the victim’s family and estate may also file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent parties. Such claims are meant to provide compensation for the lost financial and emotional support of the victim.
Contact Keith B. French Law Today
No amount of money can undo the damage caused by a spinal cord injury. But holding the responsible parties legally accountable for their actions can bring a measure of peace–and financial stability–to the victim and their families. A Pearland spine injury lawyer can help you through this process.
It is important not to delay seeking legal advice, as Texas has a two-year statute of limitations in personal injury cases. So if you need to speak with an attorney right away, contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation.